2004 Toad Hollow, Francine's Selection, Mendocino County, Chardonnay ($11.99 NH Liquor Store). Alcohol level 13.9%. This is a wine that KC recommended for those who want a little butter but no wood in a Chardonnay. We immediately figured it might go with chicken in cream sauce. It has had malocactic fermentation on the lees for 8 months, and it was done in stainless steel tanks (no oak at all).

Gave apples and pears on the nose and upfront. Nice acidity with lemon (!) fruit in the buttery complexity across the middle, and a really lovely finish. Matched very well as expected with sauteed chicken breasts in the Italian manner with sauteed almond slices in the cream sauce. Yum, yum!

Had another tonight with smoked free range chicken, roast baby red potatoes, and salad. It was wonderful. Our house guest loved it and couldn't get enough out it or information on it. This is a wonderful wine with meals like this or with inside dishes with cream sauce like the one I first posted.

We had an '06 tonight and have to admit that it has not changed very much over the years. This is despite the tragic loss of their owner/founder and the fact that they don't grow their own grapes. They must have a very good grower or Francine really knows how to pick 'em. It is still an excellent Chard.

Matched it with yet another batch of Giada's Linguini with Shrimp and Lemon Oil; this time with some minced Prosciutto in it.